Chapter 35: The Black Fang Outpost

The night air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blood as Wu Tian approached the Black Fang Outpost. Nestled between jagged cliffs and a roaring river, the outpost stood as a fortress of thieves, mercenaries, and killers. A perfect place for him to start his rise in the Mortal Realm.

The massive wooden gates were lined with torches, flickering ominously. Several guards stood watch, their Qi fluctuating at the True Qi Formation—Mid Stage. Stronger than the lackeys he had faced before, but still not enough.

Wu Tian adjusted his robes, his smirk hidden in the shadows. If they ruled this territory, he would simply take it.

A Silent Invasion

Wu Tian didn't waste time with theatrics. He moved, and the world blurred around him.

Ethereal Step.

By the time the first guard realized something was wrong, Wu Tian's fist was already driving into his stomach.

CRACK!

The man's body folded inward, the sheer force sending him flying into the wooden gate. Before the others could react, Wu Tian had already appeared behind them. His fingers lashed out, striking precise points on their meridians.

The guards collapsed, spasming. Their Qi flow severed.

Wu Tian stepped over their unconscious bodies and pushed the gates open. The outpost was his now. They just didn't know it yet.

The Syndicate's Stronghold

Inside, the outpost was bustling—mercenaries drinking, assassins sharpening their blades, and merchants dealing in stolen goods. It was a den of corruption and chaos.

Wu Tian walked through the main road like a shadow, his aura controlled, his presence unnoticed.

Then, he heard the name he was looking for.

"Boss Xun wants the newcomers tested. He doesn't trust outsiders."

His ears sharpened. Boss Xun.

Wu Tian turned toward the voice. A group of bandits sat near a fire, drinking heavily. One of them, a burly man with an iron-studded club, laughed loudly. "If they fail the test, they don't leave alive."

Wu Tian smirked. Sounds like an invitation.

Challenge of the Black Fang

Finding Boss Xun was easy. He was at the center of the outpost, seated on a throne made of bones, surrounded by elite guards.

Wu Tian stepped forward, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "I heard you're testing newcomers."

Boss Xun, a massive man covered in scars, raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"

Wu Tian smiled. "The one who's taking over."

The outpost went silent.

Then, Boss Xun laughed. A deep, thunderous sound. "You've got guts, brat. Fine. You want to join the Black Fang? Kill my best fighter."

He gestured, and a giant of a man stepped forward. Qi Refining Realm—Peak Stage.

Wu Tian cracked his knuckles. "That all?"

The fighter roared and charged.

Wu Tian didn't move.

The moment the brute's fist neared him, Wu Tian tilted his head—just enough to let the blow pass harmlessly.

Then, he struck once.

BOOM!

The giant's body flew backward, crashing into a wall. He didn't get back up.

Wu Tian dusted off his sleeves. "Next?"

Boss Xun's grin faded.

Silence fell over the outpost.

Then, he clapped.

"Hah. Not bad, brat. Not bad at all." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Alright. You win. You get a place in the Syndicate."

Wu Tian smirked. Step one complete.

The Mortal Realm's Game Begins

As the night deepened, Wu Tian sat inside one of the outpost's private chambers, his position within the Syndicate secured.

The book in his mind flickered.

"To rule the Mortal Realm, one must first understand its foundations. Control the underworld, and you control the flow of power."

Wu Tian exhaled. This was just the beginning.

He looked toward the horizon. There was much more to take.